Global engineering consultancy Black & White Engineering has surpassed the milestone of 1,000 colleagues worldwide.  This achievement underscores the company’s rapid growth and expanding role in delivering mission-critical, sustainable digital infrastructure across data centres, AI and cloud-driven industries.

The milestone was reached with the arrival of Rey Anthony Gatmaitan, a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, who joined the Manila office as Black & White continues expanding its presence across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

With over 15 years of innovation, Black & White has seen rapid growth, achieving over a 500% increase in size since 2020, and is highly regarded across industry for its engineering excellence, data centre sector expertise and sustainable delivery across complex infrastructure projects.

Strategic Growth Across Regions

This year has seen Black & White execute a multi-regional expansion plan. The acquisition of Dublin-based Homan O’Brien strengthened the firm’s presence in Ireland, while new office openings in Manila and India support the company’s delivery capability across key global markets. Further office expansions in Dubai, London and Newcastle are planned in the coming months.

Mick Cairns, Founder and CEO, Black & White Engineering said:

“I’m incredibly proud to see our exceptionally talented team grow to 1,000 in just over a decade. From a single office with 34 staff in August 2014, we’ve expanded into a global business established in 23 cities – with many more planned.

As we continue scaling our business at an unprecedented pace to meet the exciting demands of the data centre sector, our leadership has recognised the importance of becoming an industry leader in staff training and development. We’re committed to building an ecosystem where engineering talent, from graduate to director, remains focused on delivering excellence to our projects and clients. Knowledge sharing and nurturing are at the heart of everything we strive to achieve.

As we embark on the next exciting milestone together, we’ll keep driving innovation to engineer a sustainable digital future.”

With this growth, Black & White reinforces its positioning as a global partner for clients seeking sustainable infrastructure solutions amid rising demand from cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

As Black & White continues to expand into new offices and markets, the firm’s commitment remains to lead in advanced engineering and design, while keeping solutions consistent with the clarity and precision their clients expect.

Black & White Engineering, a global engineering and design consultancy specialising in mission-critical infrastructure, has announced the recruitment of a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) as part of its strategic C-suite expansion and growth plans. The ideal candidate will anticipate changing market demands and turn those insights into innovative solutions that strengthen project delivery, product performance and overall client experience. The role will lead the global engineering and research and development teams, focused on advancing technical innovation and engineering excellence across the organisation.

The award-winning engineering consultancy is strengthening its leadership team as it scales technical capabilities across the mission-critical infrastructure sector. The appointment comes as the company continues its rapid expansion trajectory, having grown 500% since 2020 and nearing 1,000 employees globally. Following partnership with private equity investors Waterland in 2024, Black & White Engineering is positioning itself to capitalise on increasing demand for sustainable, high-performance engineering solutions, particularly within the data centre industry.

Driving Technological Innovation

The CTO will play a pivotal role in defining and executing Black & White’s technical vision and strategy, ensuring engineering solutions align with business objectives while maintaining the company’s position at the forefront of innovation. Key responsibilities will include shaping the digital and technical roadmap, overseeing all engineering operations, leading R&D initiatives to explore competitive advantages, and building high-performing teams capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions to clients worldwide.

Mick Cairns, Founder and CEO, Black & White said:

“As we scale our operations and deepen our technical capabilities, appointing a visionary CTO is essential to driving our five-year strategic vision forward. This role will be instrumental in fostering our one global team culture of innovation, ensuring our technical services remain scalable, reliable and secure, while delivering the sustainable engineering solutions our clients expect.”

A Track Record of Engineering Excellence

Black & White Engineering has established itself as an employer of choice, achieving 5-star employer status for four consecutive years. The company’s award-winning portfolio spans mission-critical infrastructure projects globally, with expertise in the rapidly evolving data centre sector where demand for advanced solutions and sustainable engineering continues to accelerate.

The CTO will be responsible for:

• Developing and executing the company’s technical engineering vision and strategy in alignment with business objectives
• Leading the engineering technical and digital roadmap to support product development, scalability and market demands
• Fostering innovation and leading R&D efforts across engineering disciplines to explore new technologies and competitive advantages
• Overseeing technical engineering architecture, ensuring products and services are scalable, reliable and secure
• Building, leading and mentoring high-performing global engineering and R&D teams
• Driving continuous technical and process improvement to enhance engineering delivery, operational efficiency and profitability
• Act as an ambassador for technical innovation, representing Black & White at global events, thought leadership panels and within industry networks to inspire progress and influence the future of engineering design.

Ready to Lead the Future of Engineering Innovation?

Black & White Engineering is seeking an exceptional leader with proven experience in senior technical engineering leadership roles ideally within the built environment and a track record of improving delivery, efficiency and profitability through innovation and technical development. The ideal candidate will bring in-depth knowledge of industry-specific technical best practices, emerging technologies, a passion for sustainable solutions, and the strategic vision to drive a global engineering and design consultancy into its next phase of growth.

Interested candidates are invited to contact our recruitment team for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

Black & White Engineering has officially launched in Dublin Ireland marking the completion of our first European acquisition and a new chapter in our global growth.

The rebrand follows the acquisition of Homan O’Brien in May 2025 and an integration period that has seen the Dublin team fully aligned into Black & White’s One Global Team model.

To celebrate this milestone, more than 200 clients and colleagues from across Ireland and Europe joined the Black & White global team and at a launch event on 18 September in The Crypt at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin. The event brought together industry leaders, clients and partners to mark the occasion and look ahead to the future of engineering in Ireland and beyond.

Creating Opportunities in Ireland

The Dublin office is set to play a central role in Black & White’s European growth strategy, with plans to create 60 new high-tech engineering jobs over the next three years. This expansion builds on Homan O’Brien’s legacy of more than 65 years delivering engineering excellence across healthcare, education, laboratories, commercial, residential, industrial and mission-critical sectors.

Simon O’Brien, Country Director, Ireland, said:

“We’re currently 32 people in Dublin with plans to grow the team to around 90. That’s 60 new high-tech engineering jobs and a real investment in Irish talent and skills. For our clients, it means continuity and stability with the same level of service we’ve always provided, while giving us the scale and support of a global network.”

Steven Horn, Managing Director, Europe added:

“Creating 60 new high-tech engineering roles in Dublin is a major step in building our European capability. These jobs represent real opportunities for talented engineers in Ireland to work on projects that have both a local and international impact. Expanding the team in Dublin also strengthens our ability to support clients across Europe with the depth of expertise and resources they need.”

A Strategic Step in European Growth

The acquisition and expansion in Dublin reflects the importance of Ireland as both a hub for multinational clients and a centre of engineering expertise.

Mick Cairns, CEO and Founder of Black & White Engineering, said:

“Dublin is a strategic hub for many of our global clients and having a strong presence here means we can be closer to them while creating significant new opportunities for engineers in Ireland. This is an exciting step in our growth journey, and we’re delighted to invest in the future of the Irish engineering sector.”

Black & White now operates in more than 18 cities worldwide with a team of over 1,000 people, recognised for technical excellence, data centre expertise, and sustainable design solutions.

As Black & White Engineering in Ireland, the Dublin team is already delivering projects across Ireland and mainland Europe, strengthening our ability to support clients and creating new opportunities for engineers at every stage of their career.

To learn more about working with Black & White, explore current opportunities on our Careers Page.

Just three months since joining Black & White the Dublin team is already making an impact across global projects reflecting the company’s integration model and commitment to ‘One Global Team’ delivery. 

Following the acquisition of Homan O’Brien in May 2025, Black & White Engineering’s Dublin team has completed the first phase of integration in the business’s strategic expansion across Europe. 

In just three months, the team are well on their way into Black & White, bringing their team of experienced engineers and technical specialists into the fold. With a strong legacy in mechanical and electrical design across mission critical, commercial, healthcare and residential sectors, the Dublin office is playing an active role in Black & White’s project portfolio, including data centres across Ireland and Europe. 

The integration plan has focused on team onboarding, training, project immersion and operational alignment. Tailored induction and technical training sessions have enabled fast upskilling in the Black & White Way, supported by colleagues across global offices. As a result, many team members are already contributing to cross-office projects in collaboration with London, Manchester, Paris, Newcastle and Dubai teams, demonstrating the value of Black & White’s One Global Team model. 

Simon O’Brien, Country Lead , Ireland said: “The last few months have been incredibly positive. We’ve adapted quickly, and it already feels like we’re part of one global team. We’re collaborating with colleagues across the business and seeing new opportunities open, for our people and for our clients. It’s great to be building something that feels ambitious and aligned.”

From day one, emphasis has been placed on creating meaningful connections between the Dublin team and wider business units. Site visits, project briefings and introductions with global functions such as HR, learning & development, finance and IT have supported a smooth transition. Weekly meetings and regular knowledge-sharing forums are also helping to build familiarity with Black & White’s tools, systems and ways of working. 

The acquisition has also opened new opportunities for professional development. Engineers at all levels are already benefiting from Black & White’s structured Learning & Development programme, including technical workshops and leadership training delivered through the Global Academy.

Gerard Keating, Area Director said: “There are huge opportunities for growth at Black & White. For the team, it’s a chance to work on world-class projects and become true global engineers. Personally, I’m excited to help shape a centre of excellence in Dublin and share knowledge across the wider business.” 

With strong foundations now in place, Black & White is focused on the next phase, expanding the team and deepening its local market presence. Recruitment is already underway, with plans to double the size of the Dublin office over the next 12 months to meet growing client demand and support continued European growth. 

Steven Horn, Managing Director, Europe said: “What stands out is how well the Dublin team is integrating, bringing their expertise and a clear focus that’s already adding value to what we deliver across Europe. The team’s experience in high-demand sectors is a real asset, and this integration is an important step in strengthening our position in key markets.”

The final stage of the integration will complete in September 2025, when the team will officially rebrand to Black & White Ireland, marking a new chapter in the company’s journey and further strengthening its position as a trusted engineering partner across the region. 

To find out how our growing Dublin office can support your next project get in contact here.
If you’re looking to build your career on global projects with a people-first company explore our open roles on our careers page.

Looking for engineering careers with room to grow? For some Black & White colleagues, professional development has meant stepping into new roles in new places.  We hear from two of our team members who have relocated to different offices whether to build local delivery capability, strengthen client partnerships or support growing teams. From the UK to Singapore, the Philippines to Dubai, they show what it means to grow their engineering careers and contribute to the business across borders.

Clive Smith, Lead Design Manager, LDC
UK to Singapore

“Never say no. Have a go. If an international opportunity comes your way, grab it.”

“For me, it wasn’t a difficult decision to relocate. I’ve spent much of my career in the Middle East and APAC, and I’ve always felt more at home in these regions than in the UK. The opportunity to help shape Black & White’s presence in APAC, where there’s huge potential, was a no-brainer.”
Settling in has been seamless, thanks to familiar faces and a strong culture of connection. “Daily interaction is with colleagues I’ve worked with since day one. That sense of One Global Team really matters.”
This move extends the reach of the Lead Design Consultancy team and strengthens our ability to support our clients across new territories. “It’s about more than geography, it’s about delivering consistent, high-quality service across every touchpoint. I hope my experience can add value to both our clients and our people, as the team continues to grow.”

Ruthzen Soriano, Principle Engineer
Manila to Dubai

“Pursue it. Take the opportunity when it comes. It’s a chance for both personal and professional growth that you won’t regret.”

“I’ve always been curious about working abroad, but I never imagined Dubai would be where I’d land. After collaborating with the Dubai office on a project, the team reached out about a front-office opportunity. It came out of the blue, but it felt like the right next step. Everything about the move excited me. It felt like a whole new world opening up”.
Since relocating, Ruthzen has embraced the experience fully, both personally and professionally. “The lifestyle here has been a huge bonus. The office is just a hop away from the beach, right in the heart of a vibrant, bustling community and the transport system runs like clockwork.”
The transition was supported with practical help, from hotel accommodation during the first few weeks to colleagues who helped Ruthzen find a place to live and settle in. “My colleagues were extremely supportive, both socially and professionally which really helped as I don’t have family here. My manager checked in often, and I was invited to team socials early on, which made a big difference.”
The move has also expanded her role and skills. “My communication skills have improved significantly. Client interaction is now a regular part of my job. I’m also working more closely with our global design hub team, which has pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. It’s been challenging in the best possible way.”

Ready to take your engineering career in a new direction?
Explore current opportunities and see where a career at Black & White Engineering could take you. Head over to our careers page.

Black & White Engineering are pleased to announce the appointment of Grant Porter as our permanent Group Chief Financial Officer, following a successful six-month period in the interim role.

Based in the UK, Grant brings over 30 years of financial and operational leadership experience to Black & White. His background spans multiple regions including Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, with a strong track record in guiding business performance, supporting growth and leading successful post-acquisition integrations.

Grant has spent over two decades in senior financial roles with UK-listed engineering consultancies, where he played a key part in strategic delivery and operational alignment. Prior to joining Black & White, he was Group CFO for a diversified family group with 5,000 staff.

Since stepping into the interim CFO role in December 2024, Grant has quickly become a valued part of the Black & White leadership team, supporting the business through continued expansion, strengthening financial operations and contributing to strategic planning working closely with CEO Mick Cairns and COO Steve Tode.

Grant said “I had intended my interim role with Black & White Engineering to be just that but it evolved into a long term opportunity I was pleased to be part of.  Working again with Mick Cairns and Steve Tode together with the amazing growth plans, down to earth people and support from Waterland PE, I am delighted to continue the growth journey on a permanent basis.”

A Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, Grant is known for his collaborative approach and deep understanding of project-led businesses.

Grant’s permanent appointment as Chief Financial Officer at Black & White Engineering marks another step forward as we continue to scale our business globally, while staying focused on strong delivery, sustainable growth and long-term value creation for our clients.

Black & White Engineering are delighted to announce the acquisition of Homan O’Brien, an independent consulting engineering firm based in Ireland. This acquisition is a critical move in Black & White Engineering’s strategy to expand its global presence, particularly in the data centre and infrastructure sectors. 

Established in 1990 through the merger of Robert Jacob and Partners (founded in 1955) and Seamus Homan Associates (founded in 1978), Homan O’Brien specialises in mechanical and electrical engineering design services. Their expertise spans various sectors, including data centres, healthcare, education, laboratories, commercial, residential, and industrial facilities.  

​​​Mick Cairns, CEO and Founder of Black & White Engineering said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome Homan O’Brien to Black & White Engineering, a business that shares our values and drive for excellence. Dublin’s strategic role in the global data centre market makes it the ideal location for strengthening ties with our clients, and establishing a regional headquarters in Ireland is a significant step in our growth journey. Homan O’ Brien’s strong local presence and specialist expertise align perfectly with our ambitions, and I’m thrilled to bring such talented people into our global team. It’s a great fit that unlocks new momentum as we continue to expand internationally.” 

Steven Horn, Managing Director at Europe, of Black & White Engineering comments, “Homan O’Brien is well-established in Ireland and its trusted team of experts will further enhance our expanding capabilities in region and support our European data centre projects, enabling us to deliver even greater value to both our existing and new clients.” 

Black & White Engineering operates across 18 cities worldwide with over 700 employees. With over 15 years of innovation, Black & White has seen rapid growth, achieving a 500% increase in size since 2020, and is highly regarded across industry for its technical excellence, data centre sector expertise and sustainable delivery across complex infrastructure projects.  

Simon O’Brien, Managing Director of Homan O’Brien, commented: “This is an exciting next step for our business. We remain committed to our clients and the team we have built, while gaining the scale and support of being part of Black & White to accelerate our growth and deliver more for our staff and clients.” 

Joint Managing Director Brian Homan will be retiring from Homan O’ Brien on 30th April 2025. Brian comments, “Having been in the industry for over 40 years I have taken this opportunity to step back and wish my colleagues at Homan O’ Brien all the success in their new venture going forward.” 

The acquisition is backed by Waterland, an independent investment group that partnered with Black & White Engineering in 2024 to support its rapid growth strategy. Waterland’s partnership has been instrumental in enabling Black & White Engineering to expand geographically and pursue its first strategic acquisition.  

Wendy McMillan, Partner at Waterland (UK) commented, “We are delighted to support Black & White Engineering as it continues to grow, expanding its capabilities and international footprint. The partnership with Homan O’Brien is a strong strategic fit bringing together complementary expertise, regional strength and a shared focus on technical excellence.” 

The two businesses will begin working together immediately, with future plans to scale and expand the team in Ireland to deliver a growing pipeline of regional and international projects. 

We are pleased to announce the opening of our Noida office, strengthening our India business expansion and supporting our global growth strategy. Alongside our existing Gurugram office, this new location in Delhi NCR’s business hub enhances accessibility for our teams while unlocking new engineering job opportunities in Noida.

A Prime Location 

Situated in Sector 16A Noida, the new office is positioned in a prime location with excellent connectivity, including direct access to metro links and public transport. Black & White employees will benefit from modern amenities and recreational spaces, ensuring a well-equipped and comfortable working environment.
The MEP Design team will be based in Noida, collaborating closely with our colleagues across the region and supporting projects and clients globally.

Supporting Our Global Expansion and the Data Centre Industry

The Noida office plays a critical role in our broader growth strategy, enabling us to expand our network and improve accessibility for employees in the Delhi NCR region. By establishing a presence in this new area, we are enhancing flexibility, improving work-life balance and strengthening our ability to attract and retain engineering professionals.

“At Black & White, we recognise that a healthy work-life balance is essential for employee well-being. In Delhi NCR, commuting time is a major factor in achieving this balance. By opening our Noida office, we are not only improving accessibility for current employees but also enhancing our visibility and presence in this key region.”– Khan Moid Hasan, Director

Future Plans for Our Noida Office

Our long-term vision for the Noida office includes scaling to over 100 employees by the end of 2025. This expansion aligns with our broader objective of fostering innovation within the data centre industry and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients worldwide.

“This marks a significant step in Black & White’s growth. It opens new opportunities for our team to take on expanded roles and develop within the company. We are excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to this next chapter.”– Ashish Tiwari, Director

As we continue to grow, we look forward to welcoming new colleagues to the Noida office and further strengthening our operations in India.

Join us as we continue to grow! We’re expanding our team and have exciting opportunities in engineering and CAD/REVIT across our Noida and Gurugram offices. Explore our open roles on our careers page.

The demand for AI and cloud computing is growing at an unprecedented pace, placing immense pressure on the infrastructure of hyperscale data centres. At the same time, sustainability has become a critical priority for developers and operators striving to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance and scalability. Adam Asquith, Technical Director at Black & White Engineering, shares his insights on how hyperscale data centres are evolving to meet these complex challenges. Adam’s perspectives were also recently featured in Intelligent Data Centres. 

Adapting Infrastructure for AI Workloads 

Hyperscale data centres are undergoing significant transformations to accommodate AI-driven workloads. Unlike traditional cloud compute clusters, AI applications require specialised hardware, typically high-TDP GPUs designed for parallel processing. This shift necessitates innovative power and cooling strategies to handle higher IT load densities. 

To support AI workloads effectively, data centres are implementing hybrid deployment models. These models integrate specialised AI computing infrastructure alongside traditional cloud clusters, offering flexibility and scalability. Cooling methods are also evolving, with air and liquid cooling systems being deployed simultaneously in the same critical space. These setups use a combination of Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs) and Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs) to ensure operational efficiency and resilience. 

Enhancing Power Delivery and Efficiency 

Efficient power distribution is crucial as hyperscale data centres scale to meet growing demand. Power is delivered to high-density racks via overhead busways and row or room Power Distribution Units (PDUs) using standardised power architectures. These strategies ensure reliability and adaptability as workloads fluctuate. 

Additionally, energy efficiency remains a top priority. Beyond optimising operating temperatures and equipment efficiencies, data centre operators are adopting a more comprehensive approach to sustainability. This includes assessing the embodied energy and carbon impact across the entire facility lifecycle, from construction to operation and decommissioning. 

Driving Sustainability Through Design and Materials 

Sustainability efforts are reshaping data centre design and construction. Developers are prioritising modularity, preassembly and repetition to streamline production, reduce waste and shorten project timelines. The use of alternative materials, such as recycled aggregates and components with green certifications, is becoming more widespread. Locally sourced materials are also gaining traction to minimise transportation-related emissions. 

Beyond construction materials, workflows and processes are being optimised to improve operational efficiency. Automation and robotics are being introduced to reduce energy consumption and improve precision in critical operations. 

Preparing for the Future of Data Centres 

As hyperscale facilities expand to giga-scale operations, their energy demands place increasing strain on existing power grids. To mitigate this, data centre operators are investing in renewable energy and collaborating with utility providers to integrate sustainable power sources. Carbon reduction strategies, such as sequestration and carbon capture projects, are also being explored to offset emissions and support long-term sustainability goals. 

The future of hyperscale data centres will be shaped by the continued demand for AI and cloud computing, the urgency of sustainability commitments, and the need for more efficient infrastructure. As the industry evolves, developers and operators must take a proactive approach to designing resilient, scalable and environmentally responsible facilities.  

At Black & White Engineering, we work closely with hyperscale data centre developers to implement innovative solutions that support these goals. If you are looking to future-proof your data centre infrastructure, get in touch with us to continue the conversation.